Athletics Mercado Fastpitch Organization:
Name: Alaina Diehl
Hometown: Palmdale, CA
Grad Year: 2027
GPA: 4.0
Travel Team: Athletics Mercado - Godoy
High School: Highland High School (Palmdale, CA)
Positions: Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP) & Utility
Height: 5’ 9"
Bat/Throw: R/R
Pitching Arsenal w/Speeds: (Verified by L&LS - 2024)
Fastball: 58-60 mph
Screwball: 55-57 mph
Curve: 54-56 mph
Rise: 58-60 mph
Change: 43-48
Overhand Velocity: 62 mph (Verified by L&LS - 2024)
Exit Velocity off Tee: 71 mph (Verified by L&LS - 2024)
Intended Study Major: Medicine
Email: AlainaDiehl2027@gmail.com
Twitter: @alainadiehl2027
Instagram: alainadiehl_2027
Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Alaina, I’m 15-years-old from Palmdale, CA, born and raised. I’m a freshman (soon to be sophomore) at Highland High School, graduating class of 2027.
How did your softball journey begin?
My softball journey began in 2018 when I was 9 years old. After watching my cousin Ava play in a Little League softball game, I wanted to give playing a try. Since then, I kept playing and never looked back.
Alaina starting her softball journey in Little League
Alaina and her cousin, Ava whose Little League game inspired Alaina to play softball
What is your greatest strength as a softball player?
My greatest strength as a softball player is the ability to remain composed and level-headed during high-pressure situations, whether in the circle or at the plate. Being able to lock into the moment and ignore distractions has been significant to my approach.
"Alaina is a coach's dream type of player. Hardworking, respectful, extremely coachable and willingly accepts constructive feedback. A true team player that brings team focus and positive vibes to the dugout. A leader that is one of the most humble and hardworking players anyone will ever meet. She continuously strives to make herself better and it shows in the product of not only herself but her teammates. A wonderful player and has so much potential she has yet tapped. A very high ceiling and no doubt will be playing for a highly successful program at the next level. It was an absolute blessing to have coached Alaina on a championship travel ball team and I am excited to see where her journey takes her."
--- Coach Buffy Goodwin, Redemption - Goodwin 14U
What kind of hitter are you?
I consider myself a quality producer when it comes to hitting. I tend to hit for power and average. During the high school season my batting average was .474, with 21 Hits, 18 RBI, 26 Runs and a HR. OBP 630. SLG. 868.
Focus ... Mamba Mentality
What is your favorite sports memory?
My most recent favorite sports memory was hitting a homerun during an intense game against a rival high school team. It was a tough game, with both teams battling for the top spot. The moment felt surreal and special. Being able to help my team in any way is what I always strive for.
What is your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievements aside from academics is reaching 129K’s in 66.1 innings during my freshman year in high school. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to have as much time as I did in the circle. It was definitely a season of growth and improvement for me.
"Alaina is a SoCal under the radar elite prospect; should and will get more attention."
--- Coach Jeremiah Coates, L&LS, Mid-Atlantic Evaluator/Journalist
How do you handle adversity and even failure?
As hard as it can be for me to fail at anything, I’ve come to understand and accept that softball is a game of failure. I’ve succeeded many times, but have failed even more times. Letting myself down is one thing, but feeling like a let my team down is gut-wrenching. Instead of allowing adversity and failure to consume me, I process it, own it, and learn to improve upon it.
"Superb base running and live play situational awareness". --- L&LS Report Card
How would your teammates and friends describe you?
My teammates and friends have described me as easy-going, fun-loving, friendly, determined, goal driven, cooperative, patient, and funny.
Highland HS (Palmdale, CA) Softball (Rachel Garcia's HS Alma Mata)
Hanging out with friends ...
Who is your role model and why?
Without a doubt, my dad is my role model. Without his love, support, commitment, and dedication, I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today. The time, patience, grace, and sacrifices he makes for me and my siblings in order to succeed is amazing. He continues to give so much of himself for his family and that’s why I love and respect him so much.
Alaina with her dad, Coach Patrick Diehl (HS & Travel Ball coaching experience)
"One of the best coaches I've seen. Alaina's high softball IQ comes from Patrick."
--- Coach Al, L&LS Chief of Evaluations & Rankings
If you could spend the day with any softball player or coach, who would it be?
If I had the opportunity to spend the day with any softball player it would most definitely be Rachel Garcia. This isn’t just because we come from the same hometown and high school, but because she’s the epitome of an extraordinary student-athlete. I’ve followed Rachel Garcia’s softball career since I began playing softball. I’ve also met her a few times during her local camps and at games she’s attended. Her work ethic, self-discipline, and performance in the circle and at the plate has always fascinated me. The contributions she’s made to women’s softball, while remaining down to earth, humble, and kind makes her even more of a role-model.
Young Alaina with Rachel Garcia
What is your softball dream and college goals?
My ultimate softball dream is to continue to grow, improve, and compete at a collegiate level. Education and academic reputation is absolutely very important and a huge factor in my decision. Finding a college team with strong positive chemistry where coaches and players foster a family environment and want to win championships as badly as I do. Attitude is contagious, both positive and negative and I want to be on a team where we play for love of the game and love for winning.
Being raised by a father coach, I understand a lot about why coaches do things that many may not fully understand. At the end of the day, I believe most coaches want to do what is best for their players and program. I would be honored to play for a coach that is respected/respectful, promotes a positive team environment, proven, and dedicated to pursuing championships. When I graduate from college and walk across the stage to receive my diploma, I want to be wearing two rings. My college graduate ring and a college softball championship ring. That is my dream.
What is your favorite jersey number?
My favorite jersey number is number 7. It’s the softball number that I started with and kept until I reached high school. I made some of my best memories wearing that number. My teammates shouting “Lucky 7” chants was the best form of hype for me. In high school that number belongs to another teammate, so I currently wear number 20.
Lucky Number 7
What are your other hobbies and interests away from softball?
Outside of softball, I really enjoy camping, hiking, biking, boogie boarding, snow tubing, shopping, and going to the movies. At home, I usually like to read, listen to music, play Roblox with my brothers and friends, play with my two cats, and play wiffle ball with my brothers.
Hanging out with the squad ...
Is there or are there any others who have been very instrumental to your high-level of success and achievements?
There are so many people who have been supportive and important to my success as a student-athlete. Then there are a selected few who have guided and believed in me from the start. My parents have been the biggest and best support system I can ask for. They love and support me unconditionally.
Alaina with her mom, Elizabeth enjoying the mountains of California
Another person I credit my growth to is Coach Ralph Rodriguez (Founder/Owner of Redemption Fastpitch Softball). He was my very first travel softball coach and has been a part of my progression from the age of 9. For the past 6 years, he never stopped believing and encouraged me to keep pushing forward. I will always be thankful for his faith in me.
Coach Ralph Rodriguez has very impressively built a powerhouse travel ball program based out of the Antelope Valley (Palmdale, CA) and has numerous quality championship teams throughout SoCal. His flagship team (pic above) Redemption - Memory/Rodriguez has taken their elite talents to top tournaments throughout the nation and continues to impress. Redemption's dominance continues to spread throughout the region.
Last but not least, Coach Allen Goodwin. He saw my potential from the first day I trained with him. He opened my eyes to a higher level of training, competition, and the path I needed to take to get further ahead. His mentorship and knowledge of the game has been invaluable to me.
Family
Additional Information About Alaina Diehl
Walk up Song: Who’s The Girl - Eve
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Song: Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter
Favorite Music Artist: Olivia Rodrigo
Favorite Sports Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Favorite Celebrity: Ryan Reynolds
Favorite Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You
Favorite Sports Movie: A League of Their Own
Favorite TV Show: Who is Erin Carter
Favorite Book: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Favorite Travel Spot: Zion National Park
Favorite Quote: “Breakthroughs begin when excuses end”
Additional Quotes: “ITB” (I’m the Best) -Nate Trosky
Published by Elizabeth Perez, Legacy & Legends Softball, May 3, 2024